فوتوشاپ وب

نویسنده: AliBina

  • Innovating in Underwater Photography with Martin Broen

    Innovating in Underwater Photography with Martin Broen

    [ad_1]

    The Underwater Club Event: Innovating in Underwater Photography with Martin Broen


    If you’ve been following DPG Masters over the years (and why wouldn’t you be?), you may know that there was one photographer who bagged the “Best of Show” twice in succession—in 2021 and 2022—for incredible black-and-white photos of Mexican cenotes. But there’s probably a few things you don’t know about Martin Broen. For one thing, he doesn’t only take prize-winning pictures of submerged caves: He’s received 50-plus awards for everything from wrecks and wildlife to macro. For another, he doesn’t just take pictures: He’s the designer of hundreds of innovative products and holds more than 130 innovation patents!

    In other words, Martin is a fantastic person to have a chat with, and that’s exactly what Nicolas Remy, host of The Underwater Club (TUC), will be doing for his next Masterclass event. During the two-hour webinar, Martin will—of course—be talking about his amazing panorama, cave, wreck, and wildlife imagery, but he’ll also be discussing how problem-solving skills help to creatively tackle unique challenges in underwater photography. In addition, Nicolas will be finding out what Martin learned from his first foray into publishing, after the success of his cenote-focused coffee-table book Light in the Underworld.

    As usual, TUC members join for free, while non-members will need to purchase tickets to the event at AU$49 (approx. US$35). Note that this is also the price of monthly membership, so this is the perfect opportunity to join the club and take advantage of all of the membership benefits.

    Here are the event times:

    • May 31st, 2pm Los Angeles time (PDT)

    • May 31st, 4pm Dallas time (CDT)

    • May 31st, 5pm Miami time (EDT)

    • June 1st, 5am Singapore time (SGT)

    • June 1st, 7am Sydney time (AEST)

    • June 1st, 9am Auckland time (NZST)


     



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How Long Do You Keep Client’s Files? Horror Story!

    How Long Do You Keep Client’s Files? Horror Story!

    [ad_1]

    It’s a tale as old as time, but when you enter into work in the photography space without a contract, problems like this are bound to arise.

    An unfortunate Redditor recently revealed on the site that a client they had done a shoot for eight months previously came back asking for the download link.

    a close up of a computer screen with a menu

    Unfortunately, and somewhat predictably, this was about a week after they had already deleted the client’s photographs.

    And this was one of those situations in which, as you guessed, there was no contract.

    Now, we are not in any way naive enough to believe that a lot of photographers aren’t working on good faith in this industry—but what happens when situations like this arise?

    For one, it potentially leaves you open to legal repercussions—a knife that cuts both ways.

    Of course, as anyone will tell you, the first thing in a legal situation that lawyers will ask for is the contract. And if there is no contract, you are about to enter a quagmire.

    But this particular situation also raises the question: how long is reasonable to keep a client’s old work? For that, you might need to use common sense—or, preferably, as you guessed it, have a contract in place.

    So how long do you keep clients’ work?

    Is eight months a reasonable amount of time?

    And do you have a standard contract that you use that covers this scenario?

    Let us know in the comments.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • The Daily Edit – Sacha Stejko talks about balancing vulnerability and power infront of and behind the lens – A Photo Editor

    [ad_1]

    Photographer: Sacha Stejko

    I had the pleasure of serving on the 2025 Communication Arts Photography Competition jury—a fantastic opportunity to step outside my usual discipline and review photography alongside my esteemed peers. One standout moment was discovering Sacha Stej Sacha, an Auckland-based photographer represented by Image Driven Content. Her accolades include being named one of the top 200 advertising photographers globally by Lürzer’s Archive and being recognized as one of the 23 World’s Best Sport Photographers by The Agents Club in 2023. I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Sacha to discuss her award-winning image.

    Your photography is known for its cinematic and powerful portrayal of women—what are the key elements you look for when capturing intensity and resilience in your subjects?
    When I’m gearing up to capture my subjects, there are a few key elements I always keep in mind. First and foremost, getting to know my subjects is essential. I want to know what shapes who they are. Before the shoot and even during it, I dive into conversations that reveal what makes them tick.

    Once I have a sense of them, I try matching their emotional tone; if they’re fiery and passionate, I want that to jump off the frame. I aim to include a piece of who they are in every shot, whether it’s a glimmer in their eye or the way they hold themselves. I strive to create an image they can recognize, one that resonates with their energy. It’s all about connection, and that’s what I love most about photography: being able to freeze a slice of someone’s narrative, a moment of resilience and intensity, in time.

    In your “Girls in Sports” campaign for 2 Degrees, you highlighted both strength and vulnerability in your subject. Can you talk about how the casting went and what direction you gave?
    This campaign was shot alongside a TVC, and the fantastic Director Taylor Ferguson did the casting. When I met these young women I could see that they radiated talent and spirit. For this brief, I wanted to capture that passion and grit. They don’t just play the game—they own it. I love the dichotomy between their sweet appearances and the fierce determination they display on the field – there is nothing more badass than seeing these girls in their element. Take the rugby girl, for instance. I asked her to sprint full speed towards the camera, like she was dodging the opposing team. In that moment, she transformed into a powerhouse charging at me like a freight train, the fire in her belly blazing as she zoomed closer. It was exactly the energy we were after.

    How do you balance storytelling with advocacy in your visual work, particularly around gender representation?
    Women in sports face a harsh reality—they often get overshadowed, and it’s disheartening to see that women’s sports internationally don’t get the same spotlight as men’s. That’s why campaigns like this are so crucial; encouraging fans—especially from a young age—to rally behind these amazing athletes.

    In my visual work, I find that storytelling and advocacy naturally go hand in hand—probably without me even realizing it. As a woman photographer, I’m drawn to capturing fierce, strong women because I know just how powerful we can be. In a society that often tries to box us in or undermine our strength, it’s crucial to keep that fire alive. That passion burns even brighter as a mother to a spirited young daughter. I want her to see women as capable and unafraid, sensitive and kind, just like the women I photograph.

    How do you ensure your images challenge traditional portrayals, particularly of femininity and athleticism, while still maintaining authenticity and emotional depth?
    I’m usually guided by how I want the image to feel, especially when it comes to capturing femininity and athleticism. My images become a deep dive into an energy that connects the viewer to the subject. I want to create an atmosphere where the audience feels confronted, pulled into the frame, and unable to look away.

    I find authenticity through genuine human connections, digging beyond the surface, whether I’m photographing a seasoned athlete or someone new to the sport. There’s something superhuman about athletes; they possess more than just physical strength; they embody resilience and discipline. There’s a profound sacrifice that comes with striving for excellence, and that narrative fascinates me. Each image I capture is a testament to that journey—an exploration of what it truly means to balance vulnerability and power.

    Can you talk about the role visual media plays in shifting public perception and promoting equity, especially in underrepresented communities and activist movements? 
    Photography holds a unique power in shaping public perception and promoting equity. As a visual person myself, I’ve always felt that a single image can convey emotions and stories far more effectively than words ever could. It’s the raw authenticity of a photograph that can resonate with someone’s heart, breaking down barriers and connecting us all on a fundamental level.

    Through the lens of a camera, we can reveal the complexities of human nature and amplify voices that often go unheard. In this visual storytelling landscape, images become tools for change, not just documenting reality but actively reshaping how we view each other. Ultimately, photography fosters a shared humanity that can inspire action and fight against injustice. They remind us that, at our core, we are all just humans with similar desires for love, acceptance, and dignity.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Retra Announces Flash Pro Max II

    Retra Announces Flash Pro Max II

    [ad_1]


    Retra has announced a new version of its top-of-the-line strobe—the Flash Pro Max II. The fifth-generation strobe—coming two years after the fourth-generation Flash Pro Max, Flash Prime+ and Flash Pure—improves on its predecessor in key areas, according to Retra.

    First, as you might have guessed, it’s significantly more powerful, packing 190 Watt-seconds (Ws) of output, up from the 140Ws of the Pro Max. Retra says that translates to “65% more actual light output” because the new strobe features a redesigned reflector, “optimized” power handling, and a better triggering system, where less energy is lost to heat. According to the company, recycle times have been improved by 25%, and at “low” power settings, it’s possible to shoot continuously at up to 60fps.

    Other aspects have been improved, too: The target light is twice as bright as before (1,000 lumens as opposed to 500 lumens), the power dial now offers 17 positions (instead of 13), and the strobe even starts up faster. As previously, the battery compartment accepts four AA batteries as standard, plus an additional four AAs when the Booster is added, but the strobe, battery cap and Booster all now boast gold-plated contacts. Retra says you’ll get up to 2,000 flashes at 25% power using the 8×AA configuration.

    If all that wasn’t enough, Retra are sweetening the deal for their launch offer: If you pre-order now, you’ll get a Booster and two USB chargers free of charge. Shipping from June 30th, the Retra Flash Pro Max II costs $1,800 with the standard three-year warranty, with the option to extend the warranty to five years for $50 extra.

     


    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.


    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    Introducing the Retra Flash Pro Max II: Maximum Power. Proven Reliability

     


    We’re proud to announce the launch of the Retra Flash Pro Max II, our most advanced professional strobe to date. Built on five generations of innovation and field-proven performance, the Pro Max II redefines what’s possible in underwater lighting—delivering Li-ion-level performance using safe and widely available NiMh batteries.


    Power Meets Efficiency

    With an impressive 190Ws of flash power, the Pro Max II produces 65% more actual light output compared to its predecessor—all while maintaining the same compact size and weight. This significant leap in brightness is achieved through a redesigned reflector, optimized power handling, and an improved triggering system that channels more energy into light rather than heat.

    Whether you’re shooting fast-paced action or intricate macro scenes, you’ll appreciate the 25% faster recycle times and the ability to shoot up to 2000 flashes at 25% power using the 8×AA configuration. It even supports continuous shooting up to 60 frames per second on low power settings.

     

     

    Designed for the Creative Edge

    The 120% brighter pilot light, now outputting 1000 lumens, provides exceptional visibility for precise snooting and creative lighting setups. With 17 power levels available via the control dial, you get fine-tuned control over your light output in any situation.

    We’ve also added several hardware enhancements for reliability and ease of use:

    • Real gold-plated contacts in the strobe and battery cap ensure dependable performance, even in harsh conditions.

    • The startup procedure is now faster, with no waiting required in BATT/TEST mode.


     

    Special Pre-Order Offer

    The Retra Flash Pro Max II is available now for pre-order at a special price of $1799¹, which includes:

    • Retra Flash Pro Max II

    • Booster (free of charge)

    • Dual USB battery chargers (free of charge)

    Every unit comes with a standard 3-year Retra Warranty, with the option to extend to 5 years for just $50¹ per strobe (standard warranty conditions apply). Save $280¹ with this launch offer.

    Shipping starts exactly on 30th June 2025—with no delays.

    If you would like to purchase in EUR (€), please write to us and we’ll be happy to assist.

     

     

    Built for the Long Run

    The Pro Max II is more than just powerful—it’s built for the long haul. We chose NiMh batteries not just for their safety and travel ease, but because we’ve refined our electronics to deliver Li-ion performance without compromise. This means faster recycle times, greater autonomy, and trusted reliability on every dive.

    Whether you’re working on demanding commercial shoots or chasing creative breakthroughs, the Retra Flash Pro Max II is ready to perform.

    1All prices exclude local taxes and shipping costs. Import duties and customs fees are not inclusive. If shipping address is within the EU tax zone, VAT is automatically added during checkout (except for RetraCare+Warranty Extension).

     



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Unspoken Tales, Street Colour and Two Hearts!

    Unspoken Tales, Street Colour and Two Hearts!

    [ad_1]

    Welcome to the Light Stalking community wrap up!

    Last in our thrilling “Storytelling in a Single Frame” monthly theme, Diane tossed a particular request. In order to close this rich theme on visual narratives, she asked our members for images capable of depicting the unspoken tales surrounding our everyday lives.

    But “how can that even be possible?” you might be wondering. In order to capture such an elusive thing, Diane left us with a couple of hints about how to tame the untold. All of them can be crunched down to the following premise, do not think in a literal sense.

    After surpassing the creative limitation imposed by reasoning, we can continue our journey into the visual depths of the ignored and left-behind. Street photography —especially candid frames— offer a vast field of stories worthy of being unveiled. Also, she suggested thinking about location, inspiration, timing, subtly, awareness, patience, anticipation and composition.

    Let’s dive a bit further into these wise principles:

    • Location: consider scouting for adequate backgrounds — they are fundamental when attempting to tell a story with a single frame.
    • Inspiration: ditch social media and stalk your favourite photographers online; you’ll be amazed of how nurturing the slow-paced visual consumption can get.
    • Timing: practice your shooting skills so you can react even before the moment occurs.
    • Subtly: always go for the stealth-mode approach; and if you want to take your unconsciousness to the next level, get a small and lightweight camera!
    • Awareness: mind everything around you, never let your guard down and be prepared with your camera in hand.
    • Patience: wait for moments to occur, not everything happening all-at-once is worthy of your frames.
    • Anticipation: different from timing, this one should be understood as being capable of positioning ourselves in the most adequate spot we can find before the moment occurs.
    • Composition: last but not least, never take composition for granted; even when your camera allows heavy cropping without losing detail, it is preferable to get things right or at least decent on camera.

    I know — it’s a big list indeed, but once you start walking and thinking in photography-mode, you’ll start digesting these principles. And while apprehending them, having fun is absolutely guaranteed. Now, let’s dive into some unspoken tales!

    Photo of the Week

    Achieving interesting images on the street is a massive challenge by itself. Now imagine such a task being coated with layers of complexity as colour and composition. This shot is a bold reminder that street imagery exists beyond the monochromatic look.

    Also important in this visual lesson given by Click, we don’t have to always capture the facial expressions of our subjects to get a strong and even storytelling frame.

    copyright – Click

    That will buff out

    Congrats Click, thanks for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!

    Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

    Thanks again to Diane and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

    copyright – Deidra White

    Adventures are better together.

    copyright – Deidra White

    Zoomies on the road less traveled.

    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Frogdaily

    The Unspoken Tail

    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Elin Laxdal

    A fly tale

    copyright – Timothy S. Allen
    copyright – Timothy S. Allen

    Royal Funeral – Bali

    copyright – davidc

    Her unread story

    copyright – Wendy P

    She doesn’t like colored slime after all!

    copyright – Michael
    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Pat Garrett

    For contributing, check out the original challenge post!

    A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community

    Rob Eyers shared a super sharp high-definition image. Behold the power of focus stacking:

    copyright – Rob Eyers

    Steve shared something about his photographic journey after being “greatly aided by visiting my in-laws who lived at the beach. When we visited, I hardly ever missed the opportunity to ‘do’ sunrise. This picture, from January 2013, was one of numerous pictures from that mostly clear morning. There was some color in the sky but I was in a b&w mood”:

    copyright – Lightandshadow

    He also shared this shot after several days of heavy rains:

    copyright – Lightandshadow

    the power company’s opening of the flood gates to release high water produced minor flooding and fast flow. The water fowl know how to cope. iPhone 14 Pro, DNG format, cropping and a fair number of local exposure edits.

    Diane stumbled upon two notorious hearts:

    copyright – Tersha

    Don’t forget to check the photo contest winners for the Essence of Movement; and remember, this month’s photo contest is now open for entries. The theme revolves on “Storytelling in a Single Frame“. Submit  your photos for a chance to win $250 and please don’t forget voting as well. Last but not least, keep an eye out for the Members Picks — the instructions are pretty straightforward:

    Members reference what you might consider a five star photo. Give a call out to the photographer and share their photo even if it lies in the Shark Tank and feel free to give a Critique on why it trips your Trigger. Be sure to mention the photographer and the Thread you saw it in.

    And if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don’t forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!

    We’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts

    Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you’ll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you’ll also have the chance to comment on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

    The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don’t forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • A Moment of Serenity in Gisborne

    [ad_1]

    Discover more from Stuck in Customs

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.









    Continue reading



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New Singapore Oceanarium on Sentosa Opens in July

    New Singapore Oceanarium on Sentosa Opens in July

    [ad_1]

    By DPG Editorial Staff, May 26, 2025 @ 07:00 AM (EST)
    Source: Straits Times


    Singapore isn’t just home to Asia’s biggest dive show, ADEX. It’s also where—come July 23rd—you’ll find one of Asia’s largest attractions devoted to educating the public about the ocean and its inhabitants. The new Singapore Oceanarium—a rebranding and upgrade of the previous facility, S.E.A. Aquarium—will be about three times larger than its predecessor and will feature 22 zones. The oceanarium is part of Resorts World Sentosa, situated on the island of Sentosa in southern Singapore.

    While the centerpiece of the oceanarium remains the Open Ocean exhibit—an almost five-million-gallon enclosure containing sharks, rays, and thousands of other marine animals, and featuring a 120-foot underwater viewing panel—various new exhibits have been added. Among these is Ocean Wonders, home to one of the world’s largest Kreisel tanks, which is specially designed to house over 5,000 thousand moon jellies. Another is Whale Fall and Sea Mount, a deep-sea zone that uses immersive sights, sounds and live deep-sea habitats to educate visitors about how a whale fall becomes a life-giving oasis.

    “More than just a new name, Singapore Oceanarium represents a bold transformation into a world-class ocean institute that inspires deeper knowledge, love and action for our oceans,” states the Resorts World Sentosa announcement. To serve that goal, the oceanarium aims to “push the boundaries of marine research” through partnerships with top academic institutions, including the National University of Singapore and the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University. In addition, a research and learning center, adjacent to the oceanarium, will provide “advanced facilities for scientists and researchers to conduct valuable research work and drive marine science outreach on-site.”

    Resorts World Sentosa will soon be releasing information about forthcoming programs—and ticket prices.

     

     



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Prices on Nikon Products Increasing Due to Tariffs in the USA

    Prices on Nikon Products Increasing Due to Tariffs in the USA

    [ad_1]

    You might recall a story we did on Leica sometime ago about how prices were going to be impacted by the tariffs levied in the United States.

    black and silver nikon dslr camera
    Black and silver nikon dslr camera. Photo by Tusik Only

    That was an accessory that was already pricey which ballooned into something completely out of the reach of most people.

    Now, Nikon is joining other companies and predicting increased prices within the next month in the USA in response to tariffs. This comes on the heels of a rising trend in the industry towards more and more expensive products anyway that are making things that much more difficult for the average photographer when it comes to sourcing and maintaining gear. 

    And it looks like things are only going to get more expensive from here unless something changes. Heck, even Apple is reportedly on the tariff block so smartphone photography might not even be a viable entry point for people wedded to Apple products. 

    But really none of this is anything new. If anything, it’s an accelerated trend we’ve covered here for years. As low-end products increasingly get phased out and the margins from high-end products bolster company bottom lines, it is only natural that the latter continues its march towards dominance while the former, even without tariffs, continues to face challenges.

    So how much of a price increase are we looking at in total? PetaPixel reports that a similar phenomenon happened with Sony products, raising prices anywhere from 10% to 35% depending on what you’re looking at in terms of product. In other words, it’s either going to be mild or very noticeable.  

    Any thoughts on the rising cost of being a photographer are welcome in the comments.

    We have some other news you can read at this link.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Google’s New Stuff

    [ad_1]

    It’s just crazy how fast this stuff is evolving…

    The post Google’s New Stuff appeared first on Stuck in Customs.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New York Enigma | SIGMA Blog

    New York Enigma | SIGMA Blog

    [ad_1]

    Dutch photographers and couple Sarah van Rij and David Van Der Leeuw create dreamlike worlds within the artistic traditions of surrealism, yet in a style undeniably their own. Elegant and cinematic, their imagery conveys an understated sense of mystery.

    Their images exhibit an anamorphic, collage-like quality, often achieved by capturing objects distorted in reflective surfaces or by incorporating their own shadows to obscure or warp a scene. They are drawn to the visual density of big cities in their work and have recently published two books—one a personal project focused on New York, and the other a commission for Louis Vuitton featuring images taken in Seoul.

    The photos presented here were captured in New York in December 2024 and created using only in-camera effects.

    “In our street photography, we don’t just point and click,” David explains. “We try to create something different—something that highlights the surreal qualities of life.”

    For Sarah and David, photography is about mood and leaving room for the viewer’s imagination. “When I started,” Sarah notes, “I was super into color, and I still am. Color can really set a mood,” she adds, explaining that, for her, art is “when I enter a room and I’m drawn to it because of a color, a shape, or a face.”

    What makes their images interesting goes beyond gear and equipment. “It’s definitely not technical for us,” David points out. “We never apply tricks,” Sarah observes, adding, “Some people think we make double exposures, but we never do—all our photographs are in-camera.”

    “A lot of our images are totally unplanned,” David says. For the work created with the Sigma BF camera, they went out in New York, staying close to each other but not photographing exactly in the same spots. At the end of the day, they looked at the images they had taken, made selections and pieced everything together.

    New York is a city they know well and keep coming back to, having lived there for six months spread out over two years. Their latest book, Metropolitan Melancholia, came out of their stay in the city. “We feel very at home here,” David says, adding, “New York has a lot of art direction in the city. The colors are very beautiful.”

    “It’s a unique city where so many people have arrived to start a new life and become American or a New Yorker,” Sarah says. That sentiment, Sarah observes, “offers a very interesting feeling for us.”

    An element of New York that is essential to Sarah and David’s photographic approach is the city’s cinematic quality. They both love film and cite Alfred Hitchcock, John Cassavetes, Roman Polanski, and Michelangelo Antonioni as a few of their many influences. Their work is infused with this obsession, evident in its ability to tell a story within a single image.

    Sarah and David are self-taught image-makers. “Neither of us attended a proper photography or art school,” Sarah says. “We both have our own paths into it.”

    As a child, Sarah was surrounded by film and cinema. Her mother made sure she was exposed to the classics. David grew up in an art-filled home with a father who was a painter.

    Both are kids of the 90s and early 2000s, a time of rapid change, with the rise of the digital era and increasing access to imagery through Tumblr and Flickr. That period “was a really important point for me,” Sarah says. It was then that she began to find her place in the visual world. “We got our first little phones with cameras, and I would always capture everything around me.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link